Friends and family of a dad-of-one who died in an accident at a skip hire yard have launched an appeal to finish fitting out a banger racing car in his memory.

James Criddle, 29, of Watton, was working at Baldwin Skip Hire in Besthorpe when he was involved in a fatal incident on Monday (May 15).

Family and friends paid tribute to the man, known fondly as Jimmy, who was a loving partner to his girlfriend, young daughter Lexi, and was a loving son and cousin.

Mr Criddle had a passion for banger car racing, and before he died he was fitting out a banger car with good friend Jamie Read which he hoped to race.

Hannah Challis, a cousin of Mr Criddle’s, has started a JustGiving page for the appeal, which has already raised more than £190 from a target of £1,000.

Ms Challis said: “He loved his banger racing, he wanted to race a car once it was ready but unfortunately didn’t complete it before he passed away.

“So we would like to get it to racing standards and race it in memory of him.”

Ms Challis said money raised would also be used to help Mr Criddle’s family pay for flowers and other funeral costs.

She said he was sorely missed.

Ms Challis said: “He was a good man, always there to help people in need.

“He was a dad, brother, cousin and grandson; a great friend and was cared about by many. So with your help could we all pull together and give this great guy what he deserves, and that’s a good send off.”

Kristina Carter, another cousin of Mr Criddle’s, said his death had been felt by many.

In a message of tribute, she said: “He was such a loving person, always there for everyone whenever they needed it, always there to lighten the mood.

“I hope he is flying high up there and looking down on us.

“This is the hardest thing to have to go through.

“Rest in peace Jimmy, one day we will meet again. We will all do our best to give you the send off you deserve. I love you.”

Friends are also organising a banger racing car meet in his memory, and a Facebook page called ‘In memory of Jimmy’ has been set up. Police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the circumstances of Mr Criddle’s death.

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